Introduction: A Landmark Moment for Simone Leigh In late 2027, the Royal Academy of Arts in London will host the largest exhibition yet of works by Simone Leigh, the trailblazing Chicago-born artist whose practice interrogates race, gender, and the Black female experience. The exhibition, curated by Tarini Malik, promises to be monumental, combining bronze and …
Simone Leigh Royal Academy Exhibition 2027: Exploring Art Made Under Fascism
Introduction: A Landmark Moment for Simone Leigh
In late 2027, the Royal Academy of Arts in London will host the largest exhibition yet of works by Simone Leigh, the trailblazing Chicago-born artist whose practice interrogates race, gender, and the Black female experience. The exhibition, curated by Tarini Malik, promises to be monumental, combining bronze and ceramic sculpture with film and installation.
But more than scale, it is Leigh’s chosen theme—art made under fascism—that has ignited global interest. In her own words, “I’ve been thinking about the kind of art that’s made under fascism… all institutions are under attack.” This exhibition will be both artistic and political, reflecting a tense global moment.
About Simone Leigh
Early Life and Education
Born in Chicago, Simone Leigh studied art with a focus on ceramics before developing a multidisciplinary practice that integrates sculpture, performance, video, and social engagement.
Core Themes in Her Practice
Her art consistently centers the Black female experience, connecting it to wider histories of oppression, resilience, and cultural innovation.
Materials and Influences
Leigh works with ceramics, raffia, and bronze, drawing inspiration from:
- African art traditions
- African-American cultural forms
- Architecture and ethnography
- Feminist criticism and resistance movements
The Royal Academy Exhibition
Dates, Venue, and Scale
Scheduled for late 2027, this will be Leigh’s largest exhibition ever, filling the RA’s grand galleries with new and existing works.
Monumental New Works
The show will debut large-scale installations, combining her signature materials with film to create immersive environments.
Curator Tarini Malik’s Role
Curated by Tarini Malik, known for her acclaimed curation of John Akomfrah’s pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale, the exhibition will explore both Leigh’s artistic legacy and her urgent political concerns.
Themes: Art and Architecture Under Fascism
Leigh’s Commentary on Fascism in America
Leigh has been outspoken about the state of democracy in the U.S., saying: “We’re now living under full-on fascism here.” Her RA show will explore parallels between past authoritarian regimes and contemporary politics.
The Attack on DEI and Institutional Freedom
She points to canceled commissions and projects in the U.S. due to anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) pushback, reflecting how politics shapes artistic freedom.
Historical Context: Art Under Authoritarian Regimes
From Italy and Germany in the 20th century to present-day America, Leigh examines how artists resist, adapt, or are silenced under fascist conditions.
Leigh’s Perspective on the Current Political Climate
The Impact of Trump’s 2025 Executive Order
In January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order terminating federal DEI programs. Leigh directly connects this policy shift to the erosion of institutional support for diverse artists.
Artists Facing Cancelled Commissions
Leigh warns that many artists are losing opportunities as a result of this cultural backlash, saying: “It’s getting a little scary.”
Simone Leigh’s Career Milestones
Venice Biennale Representation (2022)
Leigh made history as the first Black woman to represent the U.S. at the Venice Biennale (2022), where she earned international acclaim.
Major Awards: Hugo Boss Prize & Golden Lion
- Hugo Boss Prize (2018) – awarded by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
- Golden Lion (2022 Venice Biennale) – for her monumental Brick House sculpture.
Landmark Works
- Brick House (2018–19): A 16-ft bust of a Black woman installed on New York’s High Line.
- Free People’s Medical Clinic (2014): A social project merging art and community healthcare.
- Head with Cobalt (2018): A striking ceramic work featured in multiple exhibitions.
The Cultural Significance of the Royal Academy Show
Visibility for Black Women Artists
This exhibition marks a powerful acknowledgment of Black women’s contributions to global art history, often marginalized in traditional institutions.
Expanding the Canon of Contemporary Art
By situating Leigh at the RA, the show signals her place in the canon of contemporary art, alongside global masters.
Connecting Historical Resistance with Present Struggles
Leigh’s RA exhibition will link art under fascism with ongoing struggles for freedom, equality, and justice today.
Broader Implications for the Art World
How Institutions Respond to Political Pressures
Leigh’s concerns reflect wider questions: How should museums react to censorship, political backlash, or funding pressures?
Art as a Site of Resistance
Her exhibition positions art as a tool of resistance against authoritarianism, celebrating resilience through culture.
The Global Dialogue on Race and Gender
By addressing fascism and race simultaneously, Leigh’s show resonates far beyond the U.S. and U.K., contributing to a global conversation.
FAQs about Simone Leigh Royal Academy Exhibition
1. When will Simone Leigh’s Royal Academy exhibition take place?
It will open in late 2027 at London’s Royal Academy of Arts.
2. Who is curating the exhibition?
Tarini Malik, known for curating John Akomfrah’s British Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
3. What is the theme of the exhibition?
The show will explore art and architecture made under fascist regimes, connecting history with contemporary politics.
4. What kind of works will be shown?
Large-scale installations, combining bronze, ceramics, and film, along with monumental new pieces.
5. Why is Simone Leigh significant?
She is the first Black woman to represent the U.S. at the Venice Biennale, winner of the Golden Lion, and a leading voice on race, gender, and art.
6. What is Simone Leigh best known for?
Her Brick House sculpture (2018–19), community-based projects, and her focus on the Black female experience.
Conclusion: Why This Exhibition Matters Now
The Simone Leigh Royal Academy exhibition will be more than an art show—it will be a statement on the role of artists in resisting authoritarianism and amplifying marginalized voices. By engaging with themes of fascism, history, and resilience, Leigh continues to redefine contemporary art’s political power.
As institutions worldwide navigate political pressures, Leigh’s exhibition will stand as a call to protect artistic freedom and recognize the cultural significance of Black women’s perspectives in shaping the future.
